Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because of my deep passion for learning and the inspiration I found in my high school English teacher, Mrs. Guthrie, whose love for teaching was unmatched. Teaching feels like my true calling—it aligns with my values, interests, and the impact I want to make. I strive to instill that same passion in my students while reminding them to always 'treat others the exact same way that you would like to be treated.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable teaching experiences as a Secondary English Special Education Educator was witnessing a nonverbal student speak for the first time. It was a bittersweet yet profoundly exciting moment that reaffirmed the power of patience, connection, and the right support in education.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I were to win $25,000, I would go on my very first cruise ever in my life and I would use some of the money to Support Special Needs Initiatives: In special education, I would invest in specialized materials, technology (like speech-to-text devices), or even support programs that would cater to my students' unique needs.